Bowman and Phelps had long maintained that he likely would enter six or seven events in London. But Bowman said Sunday night that when Phelps started doing well in 400 IM races that he entered this year for training purposes, the prospect of competing in it in London was on the table. But something had to give, and Bowman said he and Phelps decided late Sunday night it would be the 200 free.

Perhaps presaging the decision he and Phelps made before they turned in for the night on Sunday, Bowman said the number of events was not as important as how well they would be swum.

"He could become the most decorated Olympian of all time," Bowman said of Phelps, who needs three medals to surpass the 18 won by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina. "He could be the first male swimmer to win gold in the sane event in three consecutive Olympics."

While the relay teams will not be set until London, Phelps is expected to swim in the 400 and 800 freestyle relays and the 400 medley relay in addition to his individual events: the 100 and 200 flies and the 200 and 400 IMs.

Lochte qualified for the two IMs, the 200 backstroke and the 800 free relay, and is being considered for the 400 free relay as well.

On Monday, Phelps seemed at peace with his program, saying it was "plenty big." And, he added, he found himself with a fuller plate almost inadvertently when he agreed to add the 400 IM, the race he swore he'd never swim again after Beijing.

"I ended up not putting everything together and seeing how many events it really was. And it was eight, and I have done that once before," he said. "I don't need to go out there and try to destroy myself again. That was painful."